Australian Designers at NYFW

At the Zimmermann Spring/Summer 16 show at NYFW

Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Week has officially begun and first cab off the rank is the glamourous city of New York. Over 200 fashion designers and labels are showing at NYFW and four of Australia's top designers are holding their own amongst it all.

Here's a look at their fashion parade highlights:

Dion Lee

Dion Lee is no stranger to the New York fashion scene, making his fashion week debut two years ago. This season, the designer once again proves that he is the face of modern Australian design with a collection that showcases minimal designs infused with an elegant sexiness, effortless tailoring and clever fabric manipulation. The references to indigenous Australiana were subtle but apparent in a few stand out pieces in silk sand and rust tones, and in a mesh-like material that echoes the rhythmic patterns of Aboriginal art.

What we loved: Covetable pieces are woven and looped, while cocktail dresses feature spliced silks and crossover wrap details.

Zimmermann

Yet another designer referencing historic Australiana, Zimmermann's inspiration for their Spring/Summer 2016 collection is an old children's book called Seven Little Australians. Called 'Master & Mischief', the range was a step back into Victorian times with ruffled lace dresses, full sleeves and high frilled necklines. The brand is known for its feminine aesthetic and this is not lost in the collection's predominantly soft pastel palette, blooming floral prints and tiered pleats. But the collection is made stronger with contrasting military detailing like scrolls and buckle straps.

What we loved: The necklines may be high but skirts are deliciously short and flirty.

Rebecca Vallance

Rebecca Vallance opted for a presentation for her brand's debut at New York Fashion Week. Inspired by film noir and 1970's pop culture, the range had a warm colour palette of mulberry, rose and burnt orange, with hits of floral to reference retro prints of the decade. The silhouette is strongly feminine with nipped in waists and fluted skirts.

What we loved: The designer's signature leather dresses, which are updated this season in a rich maroon and features laced leather detail.

Bec & Bridge

In the last couple of years, Bec & Bridge has taken off in the US market, particularly with the celebrity set who have fallen in love with the brand's flattering and figure-hugging dresses. From Beyonce to Kendall Jenner, Bec & Bridge's sexy and wearable designs are on everyone's must-have list. Showing for the first time in New York as part of Fashion Palette, the brand presented 'Astral Dancer,' a range that features exotic prints and a distinctly boho gypsy vibe. Silhouettes are long and flowing, adorned with a tie neck detail, while long time fans will love the gathered waist cut outs and sheer fabrics.

What we loved: The foil gold prints are a playful touch against a sheer black material.